VALLEYS rugby supporters have been urged to turn out in force this weekend to show that Sardis Road must be retained as a venue for the Celtic Warriors.

VALLEYS rugby supporters have been urged to turn out in force this weekend to show that Sardis Road must be retained as a venue for the Celtic Warriors.

Pontypridd's ground will be the setting for the Warriors' Celtic League clash with Leinster tomorrow afternoon (2.30pm).

There has been speculation that Warriors' chief executive Leighton Samuel may move all the team's home games to the Brewery Field as a cost-cutting measure, if he's granted total control of the region.

Ponty chief executive Gareth Thomas says the Sardis faithful now have the chance to show that this would be a big mistake.

"This is the time for Pontypridd supporters to stand up and be counted and show they are fully committed to the regional concept," he said.

"It's also a chance to show that Sardis Road needs to be one of the region's home grounds.

"The problem is there has been a lot of negativity surrounding the region. But now it's time to put that to one side and get behind the team.

"We remain committed to the region as a club. We were one of the forerunners in trying to put things together."

Thomas says he is hoping for a crowd of around 5,000 for the visit of inaugural Celtic League champions Leinster.

His call to arms has been echoed by Ponty's official supporters club.

Secretary Alun Jones said, "The success of regional rugby in the valleys depends upon a strong supporter base.

"We are calling for all supporters to be at Sardis Road to roar our valleys side on to victory against Leinster.

"We are calling upon all the valley commandos to be at Sardis Road on Saturday to ensure that the future of valley rugby is maintained."

The Warriors have received an unexpected boost ahead of the Leinster game, with wing Aisea Havili available for selection after pulling out of Tonga's World Cup squad. Havili was unhappy at being asked to pay his own way to join up with the Tongan squad in Australia.

World Cup squad member Kevin Morgan will start at full-back as he continues to build up his match fitness following six months out after knee surgery.